Books
have always been a dynamic force in American culture, helping to shape
who we are and where we are going. The open dissemination of knowledge
and the reverence for books that flowered in the Enlightenment helped
create this nation; and this belief in the importance of an enlightened
people has sustained it through even the most tumultuous times. Certain
books have touched American Society -- and individuals – more deeply that
others. This display chronicles many enduring American literary works
that demonstrate how “Books Change Lives” -- a campaign slogan adopted
by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. The individual
works and the era that shaped those writings are illustrated from the
vast holdings of Americana in the Library of Congress.

Panels
include:

1. "Such
Books as May be Necessary"
2. The Shapers are Shaped
3. Pamphlets for a Change
4. An Uncommon Common Sense
5. The Federalist Papers, Part 1
6. The Federalist Papers, Part 2
7. The Hidden Voice of the Slave
8. Freedom's Spark is Lit
9. The Cabin that Started a War
10. To the Walden Woods
11. America Cooks
12. Books for Kids
13. A Miracle Work
14. Investigating Silent Springs
15. Books for the Masses
16. A Center for the Book